Transports of delight en-route to set record

Organisers behind yesterday’s Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza were expecting it to prove the most successful year to date in the event’s 16-year history.

The show, which attracts exhibitors from across the country, has helped to raise thousands of pounds to help make terminally-ill children’s dreams come true.

Birds of prey, dry stone wallers, brass bands and mountain dogs were among the entertainment at the event at Knotford Nook, which had over 500 entries this year.

It raises money for Hang On To A Dream, which since being set up in 1997 has helped dozens of youngsters achieve their dreams – be it a trip to Disney Land, a visit to Liverpool football club and even the landscaping of a garden.

Speaking before the event, organiser and Otley town councillor Nigel Francis claimed the event would be the “biggest ever staged” and improvements included extra toilets, a wider variety of food and more entertainment for children.

The event was originally held in 1996 and was expected to be a one-off.

But it was so successful, there was demand for a repeat with Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, offering the use of their fields on Pool Road.

Since then it has been held every year, apart from breaks forced by the foot-and-mouth outbreak one year, and another by flooding.

It now attracts everything from large steam engines to push bikes, with rising attendance bringing it to around the 7,000-visitor mark.

Hang On To A Dream describes itself as a “unique” charity, as it does not take a penny raised for administration costs, wages or equipment. It not only helps the youngest children, but also those in their teens and twenties.

More information is available at www.ovte.co.uk.